Brunnings’ secret weapon could be thriving in your shower—and it’s probably not what you think.
Share
Thriving Indoor Jungle: Bathroom Plants That Love Humidity
You step out of a steamy shower, towel in hand — and behold, a lush green oasis greets you. Sounds like a Pinterest dream? It’s actually a smart way to beautify your bathroom and boost your wellbeing. And no, you don’t need an Instagram-worthy renovation or a green thumb to pull it off.
The secret? Plants that live for humidity.
Your bathroom is secretly a mini rainforest. With its warm air, filtered light, and generous bursts of steam, it’s the kind of microclimate that many tropical and subtropical plants absolutely adore. These are the plant types that, in drier rooms, throw a fit — curling leaves, sad droopiness, or crispy edges. But in the bathroom? They glow and grow.
"I moved my peace lily into the bathroom and within a week it perked up like it had won lotto."
— Candeece, Plant Enthusiast and Garden Adviser
Used to struggle keeping plants alive? Try this.
For anyone who's bought a gorgeous indoor plant only to watch it slowly wilt, this might feel like familiar heartbreak. Humidity-loving plants are more forgiving in a steamy bathroom set-up — meaning less stress for you and a bigger chance they’ll actually thrive without a complicated care ritual.
Top Humidity-Loving Plants for Any Bathroom
Here’s your go-to list of beginner-friendly bathroom champions:
- Boston Fern – Loves steam and shade. Just keep the soil moist. Hang it high for a lush look.
 - Peace Lily – Elegant and glossy, it even tells you when it’s thirsty by drooping (then bounces back).
 - Spider Plant – Excellent air purifier and super low-maintenance. Will shoot out baby spiderettes like fireworks.
 - Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Lives happily in low light, drapes beautifully, and forgives the odd forgetful waterer.
 - Bamboo Palm – Adds a resort-like vibe. Prefers filtered light and regular misting.
 - Calathea – Known for its striking patterns and leaf movement; the humidity helps prevent those crispy edges.
 - Orchids (especially Phalaenopsis) – Epiphytes in the wild, they love bathroom life. Just ensure they get some light and don’t sit soggy.
 
Where should you put them?
Even a tiny bathroom can host more greenery than you think. You just need to be clever with positions:
- Shelves or windowsills with indirect light are perfect for peace lilies and orchids.
 - Hanging baskets for ferns and ivy create layers without hogging space.
 - Plant stands help with drainage and add a bit of visual height.
 
Tips for Success: Set It and (Mostly) Forget It
If you’ve ever been wary of indoor plants because of watering schedules, repotting anxiety, or general overwhelm, bathroom plants offer a softer entry point. The extra moisture in the air means you can water a little less often, which means less room for error.
- Drainage is key – Make sure pots don’t sit in water. Let them drain freely.
 - Rotate occasionally – That plant leaning toward the light? Spin it once a fortnight to keep it even.
 - Misting counts as bonding – Use it as a mindfulness moment or mini ritual. Plus, they love it.
 - Leaf wipes, not lectures – If they get dusty, give them a gentle wipe. Don’t overthink nutrients unless they’re looking sad.
 
History meets home
Humidity-loving plants like ferns and orchids have ancient roots. Ferns, for instance, have been around longer than dinosaurs — that's around 360 million years of adapting. In their natural habitats, these plants survive on the forest floor under dense tree canopies, soaking up dew, mist and filtered light. Your bathroom? Not much different, just with better tile choices.
A Home That Breathes
Having living greens in your bathroom doesn’t just tie a space together — it transforms it. Suddenly, your morning doesn’t start with cold tile and fogged mirrors. It begins with life. Real, breathing, growing life. And when you start and end your day with that kind of energy, other things fall into place.
It’s about more than plants. It’s about proof — that you can grow something, even if it’s just a calathea curling in the steam beside your sink. That quiet kind of confidence multiplies.
Here’s the twist.
Your bathroom might be the most plant-friendly room in the whole house. It’s not about perfect lighting, fancy pots, or years of experience. It’s about matching the right plant to the right place — and letting moisture, warmth, and a little patience do the rest.
Call it self-care. Call it bathroom jungle therapy. Either way, it’s growth you can see.
Happy steaming (and tending),
Candeece 🌿
Stay Connected
Join our gardening community on Facebook: Urban Gardener's Notebook
And follow our Store Facebook Page: Strathalbyn H Hardware on Facebook